Demonstrating Self-Management in a Scrum Team
In Scrum, self-management is a core principle that empowers the Scrum Team to organize and manage their own work without relying on external control. This principle ensures that the team can adapt to changes quickly and maintain a high level of collaboration and productivity.
Exam Question
Which three behaviors demonstrate that a Scrum Team is self-managing?
(choose the best three answers)
A. The Scrum Team has all the skills needed to create an Increment.
B. The Developers collaboratively selecting their own work during the Sprint.
C. The Scrum Team members are working within the boundaries of their functional description and nicely handing off work from analyst to developer to tester to integration.
D. Stakeholders are attending the Daily Scrum to check progress and work with the Scrum Master to optimize the functional scope for the Sprint.
E. The Developers create their own Sprint Backlog, reflecting all work that is part of the Definition of Done.
F. The Scrum Master is no longer needed.
Correct Answers
A. The Scrum Team has all the skills needed to create an Increment.
B. The Developers collaboratively selecting their own work during the Sprint.
E. The Developers create their own Sprint Backlog, reflecting all work that is part of the Definition of Done.
Explanation
Correct Answers
A. The Scrum Team has all the skills needed to create an Increment:
A self-managing Scrum Team is cross-functional, meaning they possess all the skills required to complete the work necessary to create a potentially shippable Increment. This eliminates dependencies on external teams and allows the Scrum Team to manage their work effectively.
B. The Developers collaboratively selecting their own work during the Sprint:
Self-managing teams do not rely on a manager to assign tasks. Instead, Developers collaborate to choose their own work during the Sprint, ensuring that tasks align with the Sprint Goal and their collective expertise.
E. The Developers create their own Sprint Backlog, reflecting all work that is part of the Definition of Done:
In a self-managing team, Developers are responsible for creating and managing their own Sprint Backlog. This includes all the work necessary to meet the Definition of Done, ensuring that they have full ownership of the work and can adapt as needed throughout the Sprint.
Why the Other Options Are Less Appropriate
C. The Scrum Team members are working within the boundaries of their functional description and nicely handing off work from analyst to developer to tester to integration:
This option suggests a traditional, siloed approach where work is handed off between roles, which is not aligned with the self-managing, cross-functional nature of Scrum Teams.
D. Stakeholders are attending the Daily Scrum to check progress and work with the Scrum Master to optimize the functional scope for the Sprint:
Stakeholders do not attend the Daily Scrum, as this event is meant for the Developers to inspect and adapt their progress towards the Sprint Goal. Stakeholders’ involvement in optimizing scope during the Sprint can undermine the team’s self-management.
F. The Scrum Master is no longer needed:
While self-managing teams take responsibility for their own work, the Scrum Master remains an essential role in facilitating Scrum events, removing impediments, and ensuring that the team adheres to Scrum principles.
Relevance to the PSD Exam
Understanding the behaviors that demonstrate self-management is crucial for the PSD exam. It highlights the importance of autonomy, collaboration, and responsibility within the Scrum framework.
Key Takeaways
- Cross-Functionality: A self-managing Scrum Team has all the necessary skills to create an Increment.
- Collaborative Work Selection: Developers choose their own tasks during the Sprint, ensuring alignment with the Sprint Goal.
- Sprint Backlog Ownership: Developers create and manage their Sprint Backlog, including all tasks required to meet the Definition of Done.
Conclusion
Self-management is a foundational principle of Scrum that empowers teams to take full ownership of their work, collaborate effectively, and deliver value. Understanding how self-management manifests in daily practices is key to mastering Scrum. For more information on preparing for the PSD exam, visit our Professional Scrum Developer PSD™ Exam Prep.
